WesternU Official Takes on AOA Executive Post
Donald J. Krpan, DO, FACOFP, university provost at Western University of
Health Sciences (WesternU), was named president-elect of the American
Osteopathic Association (AOA) at the organization’s House of Delegates
meeting July 16-18 in Chicago, putting him in line to become president of
the organization in the 2000-2001 millenium year.
The AOA was founded in 1897 to advance the philosophy and practice of
osteopathic medicine. It promotes excellence in education, research, and
the delivery of quality, cost-effective healthcare, and is the accrediting
agency for osteopathic colleges. Currently, more than 43,000 doctors of
osteopathic medicine (DOs) practice in all 50 states.
As president-elect, Dr. Krpan will work to enact the policies and
standards of the AOA and serve as the group’s representative at various
meetings and functions. He will visit osteopathic colleges across the
nation and attend state osteopathic society conventions. He also will lead
discussions on critical medical issues, including the need for more
osteopathic post-doctoral educational programs, the responsibility of
managed care, and the prerogatives and responsibilities of physicians in
the managed care arena.
“”In addition to supporting our doctors who are out in the field practicing
medicine, we also have to support the members of the community in which we
serve,”” Dr. Krpan said. “”I believe a physician’s role is to advocate in
all instances for the patient.””
Dr. Krpan has served on the AOA’s House of Delegates since 1978, most
recently as chairman of the association’s Department of Education, the
AOA’s largest subdivision.
“”I’ve been very involved with the board for several years, and I’m very
proud that I’ve been selected to fill the position of president-elect,””
Dr. Krpan said. “”This next year will be a time for me to be supportive of
the current president and his agenda and to become familiar with the
duties of the presidency before I assume that position in 2000.””
Dr. Krpan will be one of the few AOA presidents working as a full-time
member of academia during his term.
“”Because I’m so familiar with student issues, education will be a real
emphasis during my presidency,”” he said. “”One of the things I’m looking
forward to most in the next two years is being able to visit all the
osteopathic medical schools and talk to and receive input from the
students about current issues.””
The AOA has announced its intention to make 1999-2000 “”The Year of the
Osteopathic Student,”” and many issues raised will reflect the
association’s concern and dedication to providing the best medical
education to today’s students. The AOA actively seeks input from
osteopathic students on many current medical issues.
During its July meeting, the AOA approved a resolution supporting
strategies such as safety locks, education and waiting periods to
eliminate inappropriate access to handguns, including access by children.
“”It’s part of a physician’s responsibility to be involved in his or her
community,”” Dr. Krpan said. “”We want the American public and legislators
to know that we have an opinion regarding current issues, including
weapons. School incidents involving young people are a reflection of the
lack of control that exists with regards to weapons.””
This is not the first time the AOA has visited the topic-other resolutions
have been published on education for firearms users and waiting periods
for the purchase of handguns. Position papers have also been developed by
the AOA on topics ranging from capital punishment to the cost of
healthcare.
“”It’s important for physicians to contribute to legislative action to
improve public health; it’s a responsibility our profession feels to the
American public,”” Dr. Krpan said.
The House of Delegates is made up of about 500 representatives of the
43,000-member AOA. The group meets annually to discuss current issues and
legislation affecting those practicing in the medical field and the
community members they serve.
